With just two weeks remaining until the local elections on March 8, Munich’s political parties are vying for every vote, now turning their attention to the city’s animal lovers. Approximately 45,000 dogs are registered in Munich, and their owners currently face restrictions when it comes to experiencing art in municipal museums, where pets are generally not allowed.
CSU Advocates for ‘Museum with Dog’ Pilot Project
The CSU/FW parliamentary group has submitted a proposal for a ‘Museum with Dog’ pilot project. This initiative suggests that selected museums, including the Lenbachhaus, Villa Stuck, and the Stadtmuseum, should open their doors to visitors with dogs on designated weekdays. This would be implemented under strict regulations, such as mandatory leashes, owner liability for their animals, and adherence to hygiene standards.
Evelyne Menges, a CSU city councilor and founder of the ‘Tierrettung München’ (Munich Animal Rescue) association 25 years ago, explains the rationale behind the proposal. ‘Anyone who has a dog as a loyal companion in everyday life knows that it is sometimes not so easy to participate in cultural life despite the animal,’ she stated. Menges highlighted that some dogs cannot be left alone, and some individuals do not feel comfortable without their canine companions, particularly older, single people with dogs.
Menges further argued, ‘In the municipal museums, there is often enough space during the week so that exhibition visitors with dogs on a leash would not disturb anyone.’ She believes that this initiative could even attract a new audience to the museums, advocating for a trial run to assess its feasibility and impact.
SPD Seeks Firework Ban Around Animal Shelter
The SPD city council group is looking ahead to the end of the year, proposing a ‘firework ban on New Year’s Eve around the animal shelter.’ This follows a similar ban implemented around the zoo last New Year’s Eve, which reportedly led to ‘tangible improvements.’
The SPD’s motion calls for the administration to find a way to implement a similar ban for the animal shelter. If necessary, they suggest proposing ‘another legal basis, such as a general decree based on the Starnberg model.’ SPD city councilor Lena Odell emphasized the distress fireworks cause animals. ‘Fireworks look beautiful,’ she said, ‘but animals unfortunately cannot categorize the loud noises and panic.’ Odell pointed out that unlike domestic pets, animal shelter residents cannot be moved to another location and are therefore exposed to the noise.
Political Focus on Animal Welfare Ahead of Elections
Both proposals highlight a growing focus on animal welfare in Munich’s political discourse, particularly as the local elections draw near. The CSU’s initiative aims to enhance the cultural participation of dog owners, while the SPD’s proposal seeks to protect vulnerable animals from the stress of fireworks.
The debate surrounding these proposals reflects a broader societal interest in the well-being of animals and their integration into urban life. The outcomes of these discussions and the upcoming elections will determine the future direction of animal-related policies in Munich.
